How long does a clutch last?

Question

I have a 2001 Kia Rio. How long would a clutch last in it on average? And when a clutch starts to go out is it something that is immediately noticed?

Answer 1

A lot depends on the driver. If you ride the clutch it will not last as long. Always keep your foot off the clutch when you are driving. If you pop the clutch it will also cause it to go out sooner.

Answer 2

Probably 75k-100k city driving, or 120k-150k highway. You will notice, but it usually doesn't happen suddenly. Just gradually feels different.

Answer 3

It can vary greatly depending on the driving of the vehicle.  Examples:

1. A Lamborghini driver who doesnt know how to drive a high hp awd vehicle= 7000 miles from new, requiring a new clutch.

2. A Kia with small engine, and good economy, and decent driver= 100k miles.

It is hard to say, there are those drivers out there, who hit records on a stock clutch, say 200k-250k miles.  On many performance vehicles your lucky for 50k miles on factory clutch.  

It will not die out instantly.

You will feel it in the pedal on some non-adjusting cars.  This means when the clutch is really worn out, the clutch will release when barely pushing the pedal.  If it is new, you would have to push down much more, since there is more clutch material.

You will also feel the rpm's, raise higher, than what would correlate with the speed of the vehicle.  

On a roasted clutch, if you floor it in 6th gear, the car will stay the same speed, but your rpm may hit redline, without grabbing at all.  This means its time to baby it all over, or pull over.  Phew lots of typing!

Answer 4

as long as 200,000 miles or more by experience or as short as the drive home. you could have a linkage problem, or a hydraulic issue that will not let the clutch release.  

Answer 5

Depends mostly on the driver and where the vehicle is driven. As said above, more city driving will reduce the life of the clutch.